Page 26 of Karma (Deranged Drifters MC #23)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Griffin’s Beach Hailey

H ailey stares at herself in the mirror, smiling as she wears her light pink dress. It’s all coming together now, and her stomach bobbles at the thought that in an hour, she’ll be Mrs. Gavin Short.

“How are we feeling?” Lex asks, a large smile on her face as she comes into view behind Hailey in the hotel room. “Do I need to get the getaway car ready?”

The blue dress Hailey picked out makes Lex’s eyes pop, and if she hadn’t almost lost her, she would be jealous. There are still scars from the scary incident, and for a short while, Hailey was worried she’d lose another mother.

“Not at all. I feel like a princess.”

Even though Lex argued, Gavin and Hailey agreed to push the wedding back until Lex was healthy enough to enjoy it with them. They’d even offered to switch the venue to the clubhouse, but Lex wouldn’t hear of it. She booked and paid for the hotel ballroom because she knew it’s what Hailey wanted.

“Okay, so I know you’re totally not into the whole superstition thing, but indulge me. Here,” she says and hands her a blue garter. “Something blue.”

Giggling, Hailey hikes up the skirt of her dress and slips it on. “Thanks.”

Lex pulls out a necklace box and opens it to reveal a silver necklace with a heart-shaped pink diamond pendant encased in smaller white diamonds. It matches the dress perfectly, as though it was designed for it. “Something new.”

“Lex, this is so pretty.”

“I saw it and knew it was for your wedding. Even before we bought the dress,” she says with a smirk and helps clasp it behind Hailey’s neck. “And I brought something old and borrowed.”

Turning, Hailey watches Lex move to the bag she brought with her and wonders what she did to deserve the happily ever after. It was never something Hailey banked on, but she feels like she won the lottery.

She gasps when Lex pulls out the diamond earrings from her mom’s jewelry box. “Why didn’t I think to grab any of her jewelry?”

Turning back to the mirror to put them on, she feels her mom with her, and she wants to cry. And laugh. Today will be nothing short of a slew of emotions.

“Lex?”

The reflection of Lex appearing behind her shows a happy, proud woman. “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“The earrings were in your mom’s jewelry box. It wasn’t hard to ask Gavin to let me in to snag them for you.”

She turns and fights the tears. “No, not just for that. For all of it. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you and Colt.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Yeah, I do. I almost lost you, and I was so scared. When I look at Nancy, I kick myself for how much I fought you. I still can’t understand why I did that.”

“Because you had harsh lessons early in life that taught you to expect the worst of people. It makes being disappointed and rejected a little easier to handle.”

Her lip quivers, and she takes Lex’s hand. “You never quit me.”

“And I never will.” She reaches out and tucks a stray hair behind her ear. “Your mom is so proud of you, Hailey. And so am I.”

She laughs and wipes her ears. “My makeup won’t last long today.”

“Probably not,” Lex says and hugs her. “That’s okay. You’re the bride. You make the rules today.”

Colt pops his head into the room after a quick knock on the door. “Ready to go? Your brother’s waiting to walk you down the aisle.” He stops, eyes wide. “Wow.”

Looking down, Hailey smooths her dress. “You like it?”

“You look like a princess, Hailey. This is not a clubhouse wedding dress.”

“Told you so,” Lex says. “Both of you.”

Colt holds out an arm, and they walk from the room. “I don’t care that Gavin’s my godson, or that his dad is my best friend; If he hurts you, he’s fucking dead.”

They reach Lucas outside of the ballroom doors, and she hugs Colt tightly. “Thank you for not leaving us at that house.”

“You’re more than welcome,” he whispers and kisses her temple.

Lucas smiles when he sees her. He’s gone through a growth spurt, and he’s now taller than Colt by a good inch. He’s not quite as tall as Gavin, but he might get there.

“You look pretty, Hailey,” he says.

“Thanks, Luke.”

The plan had always been for Lucas to walk her down the aisle, but ever since she went shopping for her wedding dress with Lex, Hailey hasn’t felt as though it’s quite right. She wants Colt to walk her down the aisle, but she doesn’t want to disrespect their father.

“It’s okay, Hails.”

“Are you sure?”

Lucas nods. “Positive. Dad would want it.”

Turning, Hailey lets out a shaky breath and looks at Colt. “Colt—Dad—will you… Will you walk me down the aisle?”

The proud honor on his face makes her heart melt. “I would be happy to.”

“Mom, I think it’s my job to walk you to your seat,” Lucas says and holds out his elbow to her.

Letting Lex stay with Hailey as she got ready is probably the longest Lucas has let Lex out of his sight other than when he has to go to school.

Hailey’s tried to help with his burden of guilt, but she knows his heart is too sensitive to forgive himself that easily.

At least he looks more at ease than he has been.

“Let’s walk me to my husband, Dad,” Hailey says and takes his arm.

“Anything you want, princess.”

Griffin’s Beach Kent

S lipping away from the reception, Kent heads to the hotel suite he booked for the night to get it ready for them. It has a jacuzzi tub, and he plans to make the entire night magical. Something has been bothering her since yesterday, and he hopes to help take her mind off of it.

Nolan and Nancy are both staying with his sister, so he has the entire night with his girl. He also wants to tell her about his plans, hoping he didn’t make a rash decision without discussing it with her first.

Looking at the rose petals on the bed, he smirks. Never did Kent Conway believe he’d be one to settle down young, but it’s true what they say about just knowing when it’s right. Gracie’s the one for him, and he loves Nolan like he would his own child.

A small knock sounds, and he smiles knowing it’s Gracie. “Perfect timing.”

Opening the door, his smile drops as Gracie steps inside, looking like she might be sick. “Kent, I need to talk to you.”

He moves to the couch to avoid ruining the work he just put into the bed, and he sits down. Her green dress looks great on her, even with her wide shoulders. It’s a flaw he’s come to admire and love. It makes her unique.

“What’s wrong? You didn’t look happy during the wedding. I thought you liked Hailey.”

Gracie swallows and nods. “I do. I’m really happy for them, but we need to talk.”

“About what?”

“I’m so sorry, Kent.”

Frowning, he tilts his head. “For what?”

She reaches into her purse and grabs something. “I’m on the pill, and we were always careful.”

“We are.”

The plastic stick touches his hand as she holds it out to him, and he stares at it. A pregnancy test. On the small screen, he sees the word PREGNANT.

“I’m sorry, Kent,” she says, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I don’t know how this happened.”

Gracie’s pregnant. She’s pregnant, and she’s apologizing.

Setting the test on the table, he cups her face. “I know exactly how it happened. We’re rather active in the bedroom. And kitchen. And living room. But I don’t understand why you’re sorry.”

“Because… This isn’t something we planned.”

“Baby, no matter how much we try to be careful, getting knocked up is a risk we take sleeping together.”

“Are you going to leave?”

Fuck you, Cole Walsh. You’re ruining this. Again.

“I told you from the very beginning that you’re stuck with me, kid. Besides, it would be a little silly if I left you because you had my baby inside of you when I’ve spent so much time with Nolan that he feels like he’s mine.”

Sniffling, she forces a smile. “You feel like Nolan is yours?”

“You don’t?”

“I do.”

“Baby, when will you realize I’m nothing like that jackass who came before me? I love you. I love you, and I love Nolan. And you’re having my baby, who I already love, too. This is good news.”

A small, relieved chuckle slips from between her lips, and she flies into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck. He tugs her skirt up over her hips to let her straddle his lap to hold her even closer.

“I’m just… The last time I had this conversation, it kind of killed me a little bit.”

“I’m nothing like him, Gracie.”

“I know,” she says, her face burrowed against his neck. “This is just really soon, and I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

He smiles and rubs his hand along her back.

“I’m making real money now, and I actually wanted to talk to you about that tonight.

I put a down payment on a four bed, three bath house.

It seemed perfect for you, me, and Nolan.

We’d also have room to grow, which, as it turns out, we’ll need sooner than later. ”

Gracie pulls back, and Kent slides his hand over her belly. He stares at it, imagining her with a little bump that eventually grows into the belly he remembers her having with Nolan. Knowing his baby’s in there makes him so proud he could burst.

“You want to move in together?”

“I do. And I hope you want to, too. Your dad might kill me, but luckily, I can take a beating. I’m not leaving no matter what you decide, though. We did this together, and we’re going to do this together.”

“How are you so calm about this?” Gracie asks, rubbing her thumb on his cheek as she cups it. “I’ve been freaking out, and you’re just calm, cool, and collected. Like it’s no big deal. Like it doesn’t throw a wrench into everything.”

Gently kissing her lips, he smirks. “Why would I freak out? Besides, what good will that do? I want this baby. Just like I want you and Nolan. We’re a family.”

“I envy how relaxed you are with everything in life. I’m like a chicken with its head cut off most of the time, but not you.”

“And that’s why we’re perfect together. You freak out, and I calm you down.”

“Kent?”

“Yeah?”

She looks into his eyes and pauses. Her hand shakes against his face, and he knows she needs a moment to gather her strength. Being vulnerable and talking about emotions never comes easy for her, and he holds his breath as he waits, praying she says the three words he longs to hear.

“I wasn’t ready before because I was scared, but you’re right. You’re not Cole. You’re everything I never knew I wanted, but you’re everything I need.”

“If your goal is to talk me out of my clothes, you just won,” he whispers with a smirk.

She snorts. “Like it’s difficult?”

“You were supposed to say hard, not difficult. Then I could tell you it definitely is. Just like I always am around you.”

Her lips touch his. “Thank you for being happy about this. I was happy when I found out, but then I had a meltdown thinking maybe you wouldn’t be. Because you’re my best friend, and I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You never have to find out.”

“I’m also kind of scared about how big this baby will be.”

Her grimace makes him chuckle. “It’ll be okay. Promise.”

“You’re the father Nolan needs, and you’ve always been there even when you didn’t have to be. You’re so patient with me, and you never make me feel crazy, even when I probably am. No one has ever accepted me like you have, and no one makes me feel more special or sexier or wanted than you do.”

“Because you are special, so fucking sexy, and the day I don’t want you will be the day they lay me in the ground.”

Her tongue slides over her lips before biting her bottom lip. “I want to do this the right way. This pregnancy will be different because I have someone who supports me, and no one has ever supported me like you do. You’re my best friend, Kent Conway.”

“Ditto, baby,” he says, cupping her face.

“I’m not scared anymore. I haven’t been scared in a while, but I wasn’t sure if I should say it or not. There’s nothing holding me back anymore.”

His heart races. “Say what?”

“I love you, Kent Conway.”

His lips find hers before she can say another word. He’s felt her love for a while now, but he’s been on pins and needles waiting for her to say it. It took her time because of her past with the asshat who knocked her up first, but he doesn’t know if tonight could get any better.

“Can we make a deal?” Gracie asks, pulling away.

“What kind of deal?” Kent asks, panting.

“Do you remember how you picked up my very pregnant belly the day you brought the crib over to my house?” He nods. “If you promise to do that for me again, because I have a feeling this baby will be even bigger, I’ll do whatever you want. Trade a blowjob for holding my fat, pregnant belly?”

Images of a pregnant Gracie, naked, has him picking her up and setting her on the bed. “We don’t need a deal, baby. I’m going to do whatever you need.”

Kent strips her naked and kisses her belly. She gasps but runs her fingers through his hair. “We’re missing my brother’s wedding reception.”

Sliding up to suck her nipples, he doesn’t care. Her tits have already swelled to fill his palms almost to the point of overflowing. And her moans let him know just how sensitive she is.

“This is going to be fun,” he murmurs against her skin, and he slides his fingers down between her legs. “What do you say, Gracie? Will you move in with me?”

Her mouth drops open as she pants, and he smiles. “Yes.”

“Yes to moving in, or yes because your body’s humming and ready to come?”

“Both,” she pants. “Kent, oh my God.”

For the first time, Kent and Gracie will become one with nothing between them. Literally and figuratively, and he looks forward to the next nine months. And the next sixty years.

He chuckles at her pout when he removes his hand, but they both stare in amazement as he slides into her unsheathed. “Fuck, you feel amazing.”

“Kent…”